NPS - National Park Service

07/02/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/02/2024 08:52

First State National Historical Park seeks public input on Draft Brandywine Valley Trail Plan Environmental Assessment July 2 – August 1, 2024

News Release Date:
July 2, 2024

Contact:John Warren, Media inquiries

Contact:Joshua Boles, All other inquiries

New Castle, Delaware - The National Park Service (NPS) invites public input from July 2 to August 1, 2024, on a draft Trail Plan for First State National Historical Park's Brandywine Valley unit. Public input will help shape the trail plan, which will establish a cohesive and sustainable trail network for the Brandywine Valley unit.

The NPS inherited an existing trail network from the previous landowner and multiple trails have been added over the years without management approval or official consideration of impacts on public safety or natural and cultural resources. As a result, portions of the trail network suffer from increased erosion and tread wear, have poor connectivity, and do not offer a high-quality user experience. The park's ability to comply with relevant NPS policies and ensure sustainable management decisions has been limited due to a lack of a published trail plan guiding management with visitor trail use opportunities. The draft alternatives presented in the EA propose defining and improving the designated shared-use trail network which provides shared-use recreational opportunities, promotes visitor safety and enjoyment and preserves connectivity with leased parcels within the Brandywine Valley unit and neighboring properties.

The National Park Service has prepared the following materials and events to inform the public about the study and to solicit public comment:

  • Three in person public meetings on July 14th at 2:00 PM, July 15th at 6:30 PM, and July 16th at 10:00 AM Eastern Time. See the project website at: ParkPlanning - BRVA- Comprehensive Trail Plan (nps.gov) and the "Meeting Notices" tab for details. During the meeting the National Park Service staff will describe the trail plan and answer questions.

  • An online public comment submission portal can be accessed online through:ParkPlanning - BRVA- Comprehensive Trail Plan (nps.gov) and click the "Open for Comment" tab.

  • Submissions by mail can be sent to:
    National Park Service
    Frist State National Historical Park
    400 Ramsey Rd.
    Wilmington, DE 19803
    Attn: BRVA Trails Plan Comments / Joshua Boles

The public can find information about the study on the study website at: ParkPlanning - BRVA- Comprehensive Trail Plan (nps.gov)

The 30-day comment period will extend from July 2 to August 1, 2024.